| Abstract |
This study focused on finding an affordable and effective method to produce clean drinking water for rural communities using Moringa oleifera seeds (MOS). The seeds are known for their natural purification properties and offer a safe, low-cost solution for improving water quality. Three different forms of MOS, whole, crushed and powdered, were tested to determine which was most effective in purifying water.
The initial experiments were carried out at home using 50 mg of MOS per litre of water to observe its settling ability. Further microbial tests were conducted at the Buffalo City Metropolitan (BCM) Water Services laboratory to evaluate MOS effectiveness in reducing total coliforms, particularly E. coli. A jar test was also performed at the Amatola Water Board to measure turbidity levels and determine whether the treated water met the South African National Standards (SANS 241) for potable water. Results showed that the powdered form of MOS was the most effective, confirming the project’s hypothesis. The optimum dosage was found to be 5 g/L, which successfully reduced turbidity to 4.3 NTU, meeting the SANS 241 requirement. It also significantly lowered E. coli counts, showing a marked improvement in water safety.
In conclusion, powdered MOS proved to be the best form for water purification due to its greater surface area and stronger coagulation effect. Although it effectively reduced turbidity and bacterial contamination, additional treatment such as boiling or disinfection with bleach is still recommended to ensure complete compliance with SANS 241 standards for safe drinking water.
|